Spatial Analysis of the Relationship among Disaster Risk, Vulnerable Population and Response Capacity - The Case of Cheongju City

Vulnerable population should be considered in the design of effective disaster and safety polices because they are relatively more exposed but less resilient to damage from disasters. This study examined the spatial relationship among disaster risk, vulnerable population and response capacity for the cases of heat wave and inundation. The results were as follows. First, it was confirmed that the distributional characteristics of vulnerable population and their sensitivity of disaster risks were different by region. Second, spatial inequality was observed for vulnerable populations who are more exposed to disaster risk. These results suggest that spatial data and planning should be used to design disaster and safety policy, focusing on the elimination of “blind spots”. This study was meaningful in that it focused on reducing vulnerability and improving resilience for vulnerable population. The findings of this study are expected to help determine policy priorities and contribute to providing a foundation for “disaster safety justice”.